Our Third "Joseph" Interview!

Time for another e-interview with one of the cast members of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which takes the stage Friday night in Huntington!

This time we talk with Rhett Pennell who plays the part of Simeon, one of Joseph's 11 brothers.

Q: For those who haven't see it, what is Joseph about?

Rhett: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a fun musical adaption of the story of the life of Joseph that finishes off the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament. When Joseph is given a coat of many colors by his father Jacob, it's the final straw for his 11 brothers who have always been jealous that he is their father's favorite. Joseph is sold into slavery, dragged into Egypt and winds up tossed in jail. Strange as it seems, it is there that Joseph will begin a journey that will take him from being a lowly prisoner to becoming the savior of Egypt - all accompanied by one of the bounciest scores in the history of musical theatre.

Q: Why did you want to be in this show?

Rhett:: I used to be a professional actor living in New York (the bulk of my career was spent criss-crossing the country in a number of children's theatrical tours - I just found out this past week that I've performed here in Huntington at the Huntington High Renaissance)! These days I'm a toy designer for Fisher-Price and a few other companies, which means I usually spend all day sitting at my desk drawing on my computer. My family came to Huntington last year to help care for relatives and when I saw the audition notice for "Joseph" I couldn't refuse. I've loved the music for over 20 years and this seemed like a good opportunity to get off my rear and stretch some muscles (physical and theatrical) that I haven't had a chance to exercise in a while. More, in fact, than I ever have before: I've never had to remember so much choreography and harmony singing in my life!

Q: What's your favorite thing about the show?

Rhett:: The music. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice wrote a version of this show when they were barely out of their teens - I still think it's one of the best things they've ever done.

Q: Have you had fun working on this with the rest of the cast?

Rhett:: Heck, yes. There's a lot of talent in this bunch.

Q: When and where will the show be presented?

Rhett:: May 20 through May 28, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. Matinee performances on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22 at 2:30 p.m. At the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center (formerly the Camelot Theatre) in downtown Huntington.

Mystery Guest, Sign In Please!

Here's a mystery to be solved Thursday morning, as per this press release sent along by my pal Sallie Daugherty:

Charleston Light Opera Guild and FestivALL Charleston 2011 will hold a press conference on Thursday, May 19, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre to announce that a major star will be returning to Charleston to host a Charleston Light Opera Guild/FestivALL Charleston featured event.

Mayor Danny Jones, FestivALL Charleston director Larry Groce, Charleston Light Opera Guild artistic director Nina Denton Pasinetti and Charleston Light Opera Guild Board President Tim Whitener will be on hand to announce the name.

For more information, call Sallie Daugherty at 304-419-5557.

I love a mystery! I'll share the announcement as soon as it arrives (sadly, I won't be able to attend the press conference).

(By the way, bonus geek points for those who know the origin of the headline at the top of this post.)

Another "Joseph" Interview

Let's continue our e-interviews with members of the cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which takes the stage this weekend in Huntington!

Today, let's hear from the show's co-star - the Narrator, played by my pal Nancy Jackson.

Q: For those who haven't see it, what is Joseph about?

Nancy: Joseph is the story from Genesis in the Bible about Jacob and his 12 sons. Joseph is Jacob's favorite. Jacob buys Joseph a multicolored coat, which causes jealousy in the brothers. Joseph is also a dream interpreter, which makes the brothers angry when they don't like his dreams. They then decide to kill Joseph and hide the truth from their father. They end up selling Joseph into slavery. He ends up in Egypt and interprets Pharoah's dream, saving Egypt from seven years of famine. Pharoah makes Joseph his second in command. His brothers end up starving from the famine and come to Egypt to ask for food. They discover that it is Joseph who has saved them and he is reunited with his family. The Narrator guides the audience through the story.

Q: Why did you want to be in this show?

Nancy: The Narrator is a role that has great appeal to most every female musical theater singer. It has an impressive range vocally and LOTS of lyrics to learn! She is the front and center teller of the story. She dances and flirts and plays along through the entire story, (hopefully!) engaging the audience and drawing them into her tale.

Q: What's your favorite thing about the show?

Nancy: It is fun and colorful and surprising and will have you tapping your toes and dancing in the aisles!

Q: Have you had fun working on this with the rest of the cast?

Nancy: We have an amazing group of talented people who are fun and and great to work with. It has been a total joy!

Q: When and where will the show be presented?

Nancy: The Jeslyn Performing Arts Center on 4th Ave in downtown Huntington. May 20, 21, 27, 28 at 8 p.m. and May 21 and 22 at 2:30 p.m.

An Interview with "Joseph"

Starting this weekend is one of my favorite musicals - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - and to tell you more about it we have a series of e-interviews with assorted members of the cast.

Let's start off with the title character, Joseph, who is played by Bradley Leonard:

Q: For those who haven't seen it, what is Joseph about?

Bradley: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a story taken from the Bible and is a story of a boy with the gift of explaining dreams. The show starts with a narrator telling a group of children of how their dreams can change the world and to explain this she tells the story of Joseph. So throughout the show the narrator is telling the tale and we see how Joseph’s dreams change the world around him for the better.

Q: Why did you want to be in this show?

Bradley: One of the main reasons I really wanted to do this show came to me when I started researching it. I believe it was in the song "Close Every Door." During this song Joseph is in jail and he feels worthless. I found I really could relate to this because through the course of my life I fought medical problems and troubles with people who wanted to throw me away instead of helping me. Once I saw that song I knew that I wanted o portray that part because in many ways I was this character.

Q: What's your favorite part of the show?

Bradley: I have so many favorite parts of this show I guess one that I can narrow down is the children. The children add a certain magic to the show. It’s weird but it seems that when we might be tired of maybe unsure about something all we have to do is look at the kids and their smiling faces give us a strong purpose for what we need to do. Because in a sense the show is a story for children and they are a constant reminder of how we need to embrace the child like mindset to be who we are.

Q: Have you had fun working on this with the rest of the cast?

Bradley: This cast has truly been fantastic. I’ve enjoyed every moment that I’ve spent with them, whether it be building a set or blocking a scene - they have all been wonderful and I will be very sad to have to say goodbye to them in the end.

Q: When and where will the show be presented?

Bradley: The show will be at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Academy located in downtown Huntington on May 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and May 21 and 22 at 2:30 p.m.

Is Theatre Too Expensive? (Part III)

I've enjoyed this ongoing debate - it's one that's probably been around about as long as community theatre has been in existence.

I wanted to add a few points: few if any community theatre groups are in it to get rich. Almost all of them are non-profit organizations, with most of the people involved volunteering their time - and most are operating on slim margins. None of them will last long if they put on shows that lose money.

The problem is, no one knows how many people will turn out for any given show, so they have to use experience and educated guesses to determine what price to charge for a ticket. Some groups charges $10, $12, $15, $20 or more - all depending on how expensive the show is and how many people they guess will attend.

Each group hopes to make a profit on each show so they can fund the next show. More than one group has folded - or almost folded - because it ran out of funds.

Most theatre groups would be thrilled if they could present the show for free. (Lest you think I'm being silly, son Justin tells me that there are theatre groups in Austin, Texas, that are completely underwritten and charge nothing for their performances.)

But the reality is that most groups survive on ticket sales. And even at the $20 price, community theatre is quite a bargain. To see live performances on a stage is a wonderful experience - there's really nothing like it. No film can match the energy of a live performance, which can combine costumes, scenery, music, dancing, drama - the list goes on and on.

But these are tough economic times, and buying a ticket for a show or a movie is beyond some people - and that's a shame. The more people are exposed to live theatre, the more they enjoy it - but getting them in the theatre isn't easy, and there's a lot of competition out there for your entertainment dollar.

There are ways to see a show without buying a ticket. You can volunteer with a local theatre group - help build sets, make costumes, etc. - then you can see the show you helped create.

The easiest way is to volunteer to be an usher. As my pal Bil Neal said:

Most of the time when we're putting on a show we need ushers. It's about 30 minutes worth of work, and you see the show at no cost.

Do I wish tickets were cheaper? Absolutely. I know it's a lot of money for a family to pay for a show.

But you can see live theatre for about the cost of a movie ticket, some popcorn and a drink - and that's not too bad.

And believe me, every local theatre group is grateful to everyone who buys a ticket and supports their efforts. It's a tough time for theatre, and they need all the help they can get!

Is Theatre Too Expensive? (Part II)

We've had some interesting letters on the recent comment about the high cost of community theatre tickets - but a couple of them seem to have been lost during recent problems with Blogger... so let's print them here for all to see and discuss.

Stephen Vance wrote:

I've had this conversation several times with people I know. Our take ends up being almost the exact opposite.

Community theatre ticket prices in Huntington are not only reasonable but probably a little cheaper than they should be. I've had the opportunity to see shows both professionally produced and locally produced not just in Huntington but in other cities as well. On average, I've paid $20 to $25 for community produced shows nearly everywhere except for in Huntington.

I know we've intentionally kept the prices down in groups I've worked with, afraid that it would keep audiences away, even though there would be huge benefits to the quality and sanity of the productions with more revenue.

The point we arrive at is this. Seeing a community theatre show for $15 is equivalent to almost any form of entertainment we have otherwise in this area. Going to the movies are a little cheaper, but if you see one in 3D it's almost the same. Bowling a few games, going out to eat, spending a day at the mall or Walmart, etc. all have comparable entertainment costs, but its a matter of choice.

Even if theatre tickets are slightly more expensive, you are taking part of something you can't get anywhere else, live theatre.

As far as cutting ticket prices down further, I think everyone knows this is impossible. Over half of the budget for the last three shows I've worked on has been in fees paid to the rights holder. (That's before even the first costume was rented or the first box of screws was bought).

I understand the misconception that ticket prices are too high, but if you want to see live entertainment it has non-negotiable costs that the ticket sales sometimes actually cover. I think everyone involved in local theatre can agree that ticket sales aren't about making someone rich, it's simply about just getting the show actually paid for.

Linda Reynolds wrote:

As most folks know,very seldom does the ticket revenue pay for the cost of presenting a community threatre show, especially a musical. Program ads, T-shirt sales, fund raising events such as pancake breakfasts are used to help defray the substantial costs involved.

The desire to present theatre, involving children or not, runs very strong in this town. I mean, who WANTS to do those fund raising things. The rights and royalties of even a modest musical can easily run to $10,000. In addition, the cost of the venue has to be included in the budget and that can run another $8000 or more.

Rarely, if we are fortunate, a benefactor will act as an "angel" or sponsor and defray some of the cost involved. We who perform, crew and support in any other way, those on stage, are in the same boat as far as personal finances are concerned, as the writer. We work full time to "play" part-time, often supplying our costumes and sometimes props for our productions.

So don't think we are not honored by your presence and the financial sacrifice it represents. You could have gone to a MU Football game for a minimum ticket price of $16, you could have gone to Charleston where community theatre often costs $20 a ticket and is well worth it. But, you chose us. Thank you. We will give you more than your $15 worth.

Eddie Harbert wrote:

Ditto Stephen. Just to do Titanic, we had to pay the royalty company over $2000.00. Costumes were about $1000 and set was about $1500.

After that you have to add publicity costs, orchestra, staff, etc. I would love to cut ticket prices, but we simply can't do that if we are going to produce quality shows. We have had to raise ticket prices because it now costs us more money to produce the shows.

Lisa Williams wrote:

Linda,

I think your response was so nicely worded. Those folks who are associated with the world of theatre (on stage or in the audience) do understand the cost, hard work, time, etc. to put on a show, but I like the idea that the cast and crew also understand it's a financial sacrifice for those sitting in the audience. That was a cool thing to say. :-)

And I've never been to a show in the Huntington area where the cast and crew haven't given 110%. The performers in Huntington have always given us more than our $15 worth. And as someone who LOVES live theatre, THANK YOU!

I don't have a problem with the ticket prices as much as I have a problem with the fact that all the plays are performed in the same month. I don't mind spending the money to see live theater; I just wish I didn't have to spend it all at the same time. :-)

It seems like there are so many wonderful shows all running at the same time (October and May) that I can't see them all... not for lack of funds but for lack of available days in my calendar. :-(

I do wish there was a way to "hook" more people in this area. I am always so disappointed in the low attendance rates of some of the shows I've seen. The shows are outstanding and should be playing to packed houses, but they are not. I don't understand people in Huntington for not coming out and seeing a show.

But it's not just local theatre. My husband and I were at the comedy club at Pullman last week-end... on a Saturday night... at the 10:30 show. It should have been packed, but it wasn't. And they were giving away tickets! So much for things being too expensive to come out and see!

We have a lot of good stuff in the way of live entertainment for the people of Huntington. I'm not sure why people aren't filling up the seats!

Thanks for the comments! I have a few things to add, which I'll pitch in tomorrow. As always, if you'd like to join the discussion, click on the comment link below or email me at TheMinskers@aol.com.

On Stage This Weekend

You have two great shows taking the stage this weekend, although you’ll have to drive to Charleston to see them.

They are:

- The Drowsy Chaperone - Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the hit Broadway musical at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater on May 13, 14, 15, 20 and 21, 2011. It's a terrific show and highly recommended!

- Airwaves - Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents the drama written and directed by Dan Kehde at 8 p.m. May 12-14 at the WVSU Capitol Center at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $10 for Adults and $6 for Students and Seniors. I haven't seen this show but I hear wonderful things about it - check it out!

Benefit Concert Friday Night

My pal Levi Kelley sends in this note about an upcoming benefit concert Friday night at Spring Valley High School:

Streisand: A Tribute Concert to Barbra Streisand benefiting the Tsunami and Earthquake victims in Japan.

Admission is only $1, but we will be taking donations. All proceeds will go to the Red Cross and be sent to Japan.

The concert stars Levi Kelley with guests Kacey Blatt and T.J. Thompson. There will also be a very special performance by Desiree Sowards, the theatre teacher at Spring Valley.

The concert starts at 6 p.m. Friday and is in the Spring Valley High School auditorium!

This is for a great cause, and we really need a lot of people to join us.

Thanks!

Concerts To Watch For

I got a recent email from my pal Ron Caviani with information about four upcoming concerts.

Check 'em out:

The Cabell Midland High School Concert Band conducted by Ron Caviani and Wind Ensemble conducted by Rhonda Smalley, will present its annual Spring Concert in that school's auditorium on Thursday at 7 p.m. This will be a special concert for retiring Rhonda Smalley, who has been at the helm of this successful band program at Midland since that school's first day. The concert is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

The Cabell County Orchestra, which combines Cabell Midland and Huntington High School orchestras, conducted by Ron Caviani, will present its annual Spring Concert on Tuesday, May 17 at the Huntington High auditorium. The concert begins 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

The Tri-State Youth Orchestra, conducted by Ron Caviani, will present its annual Spring Concert on Saturday, May 21 at 8 p.m. at the New Baptist Church. This year's featured piece is 1812 Overture. Admission is $5, 12 and under is free. The youth orchestra's members are from Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia.

The Tri-State Youth Orchestra will perform a concert on Sunday, May 15 at 8 p.m. in the ARTS Renaissance Auditorium with guest conductor Dr. Don Williams. The orchestra will spend the day with Williams in rehearsal, be served dinner at ARTS and then perform. Williams is a past department Chair at Marshall University's Music Department and past conductor of the Huntington Pops Orchestra. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., tickets are $5, children under 12 free.

Is Theatre Too Expensive?

We received an interesting comment recently from someone who didn't give their name, but I thought we should put the comment here on the main page for everyone to see.

It's all about the cost of going to a community theatre show. I have some things to say on the subject, but I'd like to hear what everyone out there has to say first. Feel free to comment by clicking on the link below, or you can email comments to TheMinskers@aol.com.

Here's what Anonymous said:

Okay, I am a HUGE theater fan, and I totally get how much it costs to put on a production, but with that being said, I think the ticket prices for our local theater are WAY too high.

If you have a family of four and the children are 13 years or older, you're talking $60 to see a local community theater production. That's a lot of money!

And the real problem I see with all of this is, local theater companies are making it impossible for the average local community member to come see the quality productions. Local community theater is supposed to allow the community access to quality theater going experiences... to introduce them to the arts.

But come on, folks, we live in Huntington, W.Va. $60 a pop for a family of four is unrealistic.

There is no way most of our local families could see Titanic one weekend and Joseph the next. And neither should be missed!

I realize it's a Catch-22. I truly do understand the cost and the need to cover that cost, but currently it feels like you're preaching to the choir... only the wealthy who are already theater patrons can afford to attend these quality shows.

If you are a teacher in this area, and you're trying to convince your high school students to see a show, there's no way you could convince them to put down $15 for a ticket.

If someone wants to take their children to theater, but she is a single mother with two children... one over and one under 13, you're asking her to pay $42. That's pretty steep.

I don't know what the solution is, but I know I have many, many, many friends who won't even consider coming out to see a show because it would cost too much for them and their family to attend. And that's really sad.

Just something to consider.

Coming Soon: "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"

One of my all-time favorite shows will wrap up the spring theatre season in Huntington as the newest community theatre group in town, the Curtain's Up Players (formerly Pullman Plaza Playhouse) present Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The musical was the first one with music and lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice - I believe it started as a student project, and was eventually fleshed out into an honest-to-goodness full-length musical.

It's loaded with great songs, a famous story and lots of funny moments.

The show will be staged at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center (formerly the Camelot Theater) on May 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and May 21 and 22 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 each. For ticket information call 304-634-9605.

You can also follow the Curtain's Up Players on Twitter at twitter@CUPofTheatreWV, and the group's Facebook Page is Curtain's Up Players.

More on "Joseph" in the days ahead!

Happy Mother's Day!

Whew, hectic weekend!

Hope you all got to see Titanic the Musical, which wrapped today - I took my lovely wife and my wonderful Mom-in-Law to see it Saturday night and we loved it!

Great performances, terrific singers, a fantastic orchestra - outstanding work by one and all!

Before the day slipped away, I wanted to wish a Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there, including the two listed in the second paragraph - and a special wish to my Mom, who continues her reign as the World's Greatest Mom!

Great to see my younger brother at her house today (along with his daughters). Hope it was a great one, Mom!

One More "Titanic" Interview!

Tonight and tomorrow are your last chances to catch Titanic the Musical at Huntington's City Hall auditorium!

Here's our final e-interview - this one with the talented and lovely Jane Modlin, who plays the part of Kate McGowan, an Irish lass traveling in third-class on the Titanic.

Q: Tell us about Titanic.

Jane: Unlike the movie, which focused on the fictional Jack and Rose, the musical version tells the stories of the real people who were on the ship, from the captain, owner and designer, to the passengers in the various classes. It does a wonderful job of showing the differences between the classes, while at the same time allowing the audience to connect with the real people who were involved with this tragedy.

Q: This is a huge show - big set, big event. How does that make it challenging for the cast?

Jane: First of all, it's actually an opera, so it's extremely challenging vocally. In addition, the opening scene involving the entire cast as they board the boat is daunting to stage - that theatre axiom about 'finding your window' comes into play constantly. We have to be able to see the audience or they can't see us - plus, we have to be able to see Chris Bowling, the musical director, or we're not with the orchestra. So there are the usual musical theatre challenges that are found in every show.

But even more challenging than that is the idea that these are real people, real people we're representing in a way that is unusual in theatre. If you're doing, say, 1776, Benjamin Franklin can be almost a caricature. When you're playing a real live honest-to-goodness person about whom very little is known, it's important to do justice to them. They have to seem real to the audience or the audience won't care whether they survive the sinking or not.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Jane: I love my character. The three Irish Kates (Kate McGowan, Kate Murphy, Kate Mullins) provide some of the humor in the show, plus they are such a contrast to the stuffy, upper-crust first class. They sing a wonderful song about how their lives will be different in the new world. It's full of hope and life and optimism. They're going to take on the world! When they're trapped below deck with the flood waters rising, they're determined to climb out and survive, somehow. Their situation makes the sinking more tragic - no one is looking out for them. These ladies provide a poignant contrast to those above decks climbing into the lifeboats complaining about not having their diamonds or having to leave their furs behind.

And getting to work with this wonderful cast, especially Jen Fuller and Peri Law (Kate Mullins and Kate Murphy), has been fantastic.

Q: What's your favorite part of the show?

Jane: The opening number is so energetic and happy - it just makes it so much fun. And the song set in third class, "Ladies Maid," is positive and uplifting - it's an anthem full of hope crossed with an Irish jig.

But for me, "We'll Meet Tomorrow," sung as the last lifeboat is lowered, is amazing. It starts with the mother (Marisa Miller in her debut role as Marion Thayer) putting her children on the lifeboat and saying goodbye to her husband, and if there's a dry eye in the house after that, I'm always amazed. It makes some of the cast cry every night!

Q: Why would you urge our readers to attend?

Jane: Titanic is a gorgeous musical, a tribute to the survivors and the brave souls who went down with the ship - the musicians who played right 'til the very end, the captain, the crew, and all the poor souls who couldn't escape.

The music is amazing, there are some unbelievably talented cast members, and it's an unforgettable experience.

Q: Tell us when and where the show is staged.

Jane: Titanic the Musical sets sail Saturday, May 7, at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 8, at 2:30 p.m., departing from the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium at Huntington's City Hall

Bon Voyage!

Another "Titanic" Interview

Here's another e-interview with the cast of Titanic the Musical, which wraps up its run this weekend at Huntington's City Hall.

This time around, let's hear from my pal Ron Short, who plays the part of Harold Bride, the telegraph operator on the Titanic:

Q: For those who aren't familiar with the show, tell us about Titanic.

Ron: Titanic the Musical is based on the real people and events that took place on the sinking ship almost 100 years ago, NOT THE ROSE AND JACK fictional story!

Q: This is a huge show - big set, big event. How does that make it challenging for the cast?

Ron: The most challenging thing for the cast in this show is the music. The show is basically an opera. There is some dialog but much of the show is through written, music is happening almost all of the time, and much of it is difficult to perform.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Ron: I saw the National touring company performance several years ago when it was at the Keith-Albee and I really enjoyed it. I am a professional musician, teacher, and I was most attracted to the music in the show and the fact that I am also fascinated with history.

Q: What's your favorite part of the show?

Ron: My favorite part of the show is the musical number I get to do with Edgar Barrett, played by Josh Jonatta. It's a wonderful song and very emotional.

Q: Why would you urge everyone out there to attend?

Ron: I think that anyone with an interest in history and particularly about the events surrounding the sinking of the Titanic would really enjoy the show.

An Interview with a "Titanic" Director

Continuing our series of e-interviews about Titanic the Musical (which has its final shows this weekend in Huntington), here's our Q & A with the show's director, my pal Eddie Harbert:

Q: For those who aren't familiar with the show, tell us about Titanic.

Eddie: Titanic tells the story of the people who were on the ship and gives us a glimpse into their lives. The story "humanizes" them. We are reminded that they are people and not just statistics.

Q: This is a huge show - big set, big event. How does that make it challenging for the cast?

Eddie: There are 43 people in the cast. It is challenging just to place all of them on the stage! The biggest challenge for me as a director was to have them board the ship at the beginning. The cast actually start the show by coming in from the back of the audience, coming up the center aisle and climbing the gangway into the ship. Even the Broadway cast did not attempt this feat! I felt that by doing this, it would make the audience feel like part of the show and bring them into the story. I have never started a show with the entire cast in the back of the theatre! They have to walk around from backstage and come up the steps through City Hall to the back. That was certainly different from anything I've done before.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Eddie: The music attracted me to the show first. I love the music! Then, as I began researching these people lives, I wanted to tell the story of these people and this event. The production team traveled to Pigeon Forge, Tenn., to see the Titanic museum there. It was amazing! We actually saw items from the Titanic. We looked at pictures and saw letters that the victims and survivors wrote. We even placed our hands in water that was the exact temperature as the water was the night the ship went down. That stirred each of us to the point that we really wanted to tell the story of these people and help remember them as the 100th anniversary approaches next year.

Q: What's your favorite part of the show?

Eddie: My favorite part of the show is when the people board the ship. The passengers are all excited about traveling on the largest moving object in the world. The excitement, joy, and expectations each of them has generates a special kind of energy. It is exciting and stirs your heart to see the hope each of them has as they board this very special ship.

Q: Why would you urge our readers to attend?

Eddie: People should attend to learn the historical significance of the ship as well as remember the people who died. It is a cautionary tale to all of us to remember that there are flaws in everything and to embrace each moment of life that we have and cherish our loved ones. We should remember that there truly is no day like today and we should live life to the fullest.

Q: Tell us when and where the show is staged.

Eddie: The show will be staged at the Jean Carlo Stephenson auditorium in City Hall May 6-8. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children. Tickets can be reserved by calling 304-696-5522.

On Stage with Ryan Hardiman

There's a great article online at the Herald-Dispatch about my pal Ryan Hardiman, who's part of a big concert this weekend - don't miss it:

When theater veteran Ryan Hardiman auditioned for the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra's Symphony Idol contest back in the winter of 2008, he wanted to fulfill a long-time dream - to sing with the state's largest orchestra.

But Hardiman didn't just check that dream off the bucket list and move on. Since then, like Leonardo DiCaprio in Inception, Hardiman has fallen deeper and further into layers of his dream of working with the orchestra.

Hardiman, who has rocked the mic for Charleston Light Opera Guild's production of Rent and Huntington Outdoor Theatre's record-breaking production of Beauty and The Beast, takes to the stage at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 6-7, at the Maier Performance Hall at the Clay Center in Charleston.

He is joined by veteran professional and internationally-acclaimed tenor, Barboursville native Randall Reid-Smith, who also happens to be the Commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History.

Tickets start at $10 and $6 for students and children and are available through the Clay Center Box Office, 304-561-3570. Tickets may also be ordered online at www.wvsymphony.org.

Called "From Broadway to Broad Street," the concert is the WVSO's final concert in its 2010-2011 ZMM Pops Series.

Hardiman, whose day job is assistant promotion manager and art director for WCHS/FOX11, said he feels extremely lucky and blessed to now be performing his 8th, 9th and 10th (the symphony has a road concert in Parkersburg on Sunday) concerts with Maestro Grant Cooper and the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

"It kind of built up to this," Hardiman said. "The symphony never specified what you would be able to do with the Symphony when you won Idol. They said there was an opportunity for a paid performance."

Hardiman, whose been known to bring a powerful, contemporary rock edge to theater shows that have ranged from Jekyll and Hyde to Rocky Horror Picture Show, sang two songs from the musical, Jekyll and Hyde, including "This is the Moment," a well-known song from the show, as well as "I Need to Know," a song that was on the original concept album for the show but not on the original cast soundtrack.

And it looks like the Symphony got hooked.

"That could have been all that was involved but we've kept going from there," Hardiman said. "I'm not sure they had any intention of it getting to this point but I'm really glad the relationship has continued to grow to headlining a subscription series pop concert with them is a dream come true."

Adding to the richness of that dream is getting to share the stage and bill with Reid-Smith, who has performed in concert halls around the world including the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and who was an assistant professor of music at the University of Michigan before coming home to West Virginia to head the Division of Culture and History.

Hardiman and Reid-Smith will duet on "Lilly's Eyes" from "The Secret Garden," and will take the crowd home and away at the concert's end with "Amazing Grace," "West Virginia Hills" and "Country Roads."

"I'm really looking forward to performing with Randall Reid-Smith," Hardiman said. "He's a local hero and a big hero of mine. He really walks the walk as an arts administrator and still is heavily involved with the arts and has had quite a career."

Both singers will bring a wide range of Broadway tunes to the stage, Hardiman said, from "Music of the Night" to "Anthem" from "Chess," to classics such as "Someone To Watch Over Me" and "My Funny Valentine."

Hardiman, who has also sung with the Huntington Symphony Orchestra on four occasions, will sing 13 songs and gets to rock out a bit with The Beatles "Eleanor Rigby," "Live and Let Die" and perhaps his favorite song to sing with the symphony, "Knights in White Satin," the Moody Blues song.

"It is quite a rush and an exhilarating feeling when there is an 80-plus member orchestra behind you and you're able to sing these wonderful songs with such an amazing orchestra," Hardiman said.

If You Go

WHAT: Symphony Idol winner Ryan Hardiman and West Virginia Culture and History Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith join the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra at its "From Broadway to Broad Street" concert. Audiences will enjoy works from masters of the stage like Rogers and Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber and George and Ira Gershwin, as well as music from popular artists like Paul McCartney and Josh Groban.

WHERE: Maier Performance Hall at the Clay Center

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 6-7

HOW MUCH: Tickets start at $10 for adults and $6 for students and children

GET TIX: Clay Center Box Office, 304-561-3570. Tickets may also be ordered online at www.wvsymphony.org.

A "Titanic" Interview

This weekend is your last chance to catch Titanic the Musical at Huntington's City Hall auditorium.

We have a few e-interviews to share with you this week, starting off with my pal Mike Murdock, who plays the part of Thomas Andrews, who designed and built the Titanic.

Q: For those who aren't familiar with the show, tell us about Titanic.

Mike: It's a musical based on the maiden and tragic voyage of the ocean-liner Titanic. It fictionalizes many of the characters on board for dramatic effect, much like the movie did, but much of the musical is historically accurate, as far as who these people were, what happened to them, etc.

To be fair, the musical is nothing like the movie (i.e. there's no Jack and Rose), but the events that transpired on the voyage are latently dramatic, and it walks a fine line of excitement and tragedy.

The show leads up to the events of the sinking of the Titanic, as well as bit afterward with the survivors.

Q: This is a huge show - big set, big event. How does that make it challenging for the cast?

Mike: It was a challenge because it took a long time to come together. The cast is enormous, and the music is easily the hardest I've ever had the pleasure to work with. It's a musical written in the last quarter century, and, as such, it's almost an opera, inasmuch as Rent or Les Mis or anything by Andrew Lloyd Webber is an opera. The actual dialog is sparse, and there's just a metric ton of singing. The opening number is 25 pages long, weaving characters in and out and just a complete auditory spectacle of music. It'll blow you away.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Mike: It's a show I've never done, and a role that really spoke to me. Andrews goes mad by the end of the show. This incredible thing he created is literally crashing down around him. Over a thousand people died because of how the ship was built, and he is completely overcome with guilt, because he knows that it could have been prevented, and fairly easily. But it's too late.

Q: What's your favorite part of the show?

Mike: There are several numbers that I really love - like I said earlier, the opening number is fantastic, along with "We'll Meet Tomorrow" toward the end of the show. The songs are beautiful and truly pull at your heartstrings. If people don't have a stir of emotions while watching this show, they're totally robots. (As a side note: this is also a show that robots would very much enjoy.)

Q: Why would you urge our readers to attend?

Mike: The show has never been done here, and I always encourage people to see theatre, in general, but especially shows they've never had the opportunity to see. There's a lot of talent in this show and everyone has worked really hard to bring something special to Huntington. We deserve packed houses, and you deserve not to miss this show.

Q: Tell us when and where the show is staged.

Mike: The show is May 6, 7 at 8 p.m. and May 8 at 2:30 p.m. All shows are at City Hall in Huntington at the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium.

Come sink a ship with us!

On Stage in May

Sorry to have fallen silent for a few days, gentle readers - my lovely wife and I just got back from vacation in Texas where we had a great time visiting with our kids!

Delayed by a day, here's the monthly rundown of the shows to look for - if I missed any, drop me a line at TheMinskers@aol.com and I’ll add them to the list!

- Titanic the Musical - 5th Avenue Theatre presents the final performances of the show at Huntington's City Hall Auditorium May 6 - 8, 2011 at 7 p.m. Ticket are $15 for adults and $12 for children.

- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Curtain Up Players presents the musical May 20, 21, 22, 27 and 28 at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center at 1030 4th Avenue in Huntington.

- The Drowsy Chaperone - Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the hit Broadway musical at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater on May 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 20 and 21, 2011.

- Disney's Beauty and the Beast - Clay Center presents the musical based on the animated film Sunday, May 22, 2011 at 2 p.m.

- Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? - Charleston Stage Company presents the drama by Edward Albee at 7:30 p.m., May 26-28, June 2-4, 2011, at the Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

- Rounding Third - Kanawha Players presents this play about baseball and laughter May 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. at the Kanawha Players Theatre at 309 Beauregard Street in Charleston.

- Airwaves - Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents the drama written and directed by Dan Kehde at 8 p.m. May 5-7, 12-14 at the WVSU Capitol Center at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $10 for Adults and $6 for Students and Seniors.

- Godspell - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the hit musical May 20, 21, 27, 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Now On Stage: "Titanic"

A reminder that you have five more chances to catch Fifth Avenue Theatre Company's production of Titanic The Musical with a massive two-story ship set and featuring a cast of 43 people under the direction of Eddie Harbert.

It's playing at the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium at Huntington City Hall 8 p.m. tonight and May 6-7, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1 and May 8.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children. For more information, call 304-696-5522.

"Titanic" Takes the Stage

My pal Dave Lavender provides a great story about the musical Titanic, which takes the stage this weekend in Huntington.

Here, take a look:

When the 43-member cast of Titanic The Musical takes to the stage in Act 1 to bring the vocal thunder on such songs as "I Must Get On That Ship" and "Godspeed Titanic," there's not an extra inch of space on the historic Jean Carlo Stephenson auditorium stage.

Nor should there be, as it is essential to show that everyone is on board and that everyone -- regardless of class and where they were on the ship -- has a story to tell.

Filled with equal parts joy, drama and sadness, the immense musical, Titanic, which won a Tony for Best Musical in 1997, steams into opening weekend as Fifth Avenue Theatre Company presents the musical with superb timing -- just a year before folks mark the 100-year anniversary of its sinking on April 15, 1912.

Under the direction of Eddie Harbert, the epic historically-accurate musical, Titanic sets sail at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 29-30 and May 6-7, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1 and May 8, at the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium in Huntington City Hall.

Folks should arrive at least 45 minutes before the show to see the historical exhibit downstairs in the lobby and featuring authentic props (such as blueprints and dishes) and costumes from the blockbuster movie, "Titanic," and local newspaper accounts of the tragedy.

There will also be a children's pre-show called, "The Titanic Comes to Town."

Tickets are now on sale (304-696-5522) for $15 and $12 for children.

Director Eddie Harbert said he always thought "Titanic," the most expensive show of all time when it first came to Broadway, would be too difficult.

"I just wanted to do something different, and we were looking at scripts and nothing really rang true," Harbert said. "I had never seriously thought about 'Titanic' because I thought it would be too hard. But I was going through some stuff on the Internet and I just fell in love with the music. It was so stirring and it made me want to do it."

And if Harbert was going to do it, he was going to do it right.

Once Fifth Avenue cast the production, they took a weekend trip to the world's largest Titanic museum in Pigeon, Forge, Tenn., home to more than 400 personal and private artifacts from the sinking of the ship, which sank with 2,223 passengers on board.

Of those passengers, 1,517 died within minutes.

It was at the museum that they learned of so many of the touching stories like the love story of U.S. House of Representatives member, Isidor and Ida Strauss (played by Bill Hannah and Sharon Whitehead). Although she could have boarded a lifeboat without her husband, she refused and they died together sitting in deck chairs as the boat sank.

Hearing those stories and putting their hands into 31-degree water (the temperature of the Atlantic Ocean where the Titanic sank just south of Newfoundland), hammered home the humanity of the show said assistant director Zach Davis, who also has a role in the musical.

"I think initially you focus just on the tragedy but I think going there our focus shifted to the fact that these were real everyday people and I think getting to know them it really puts your own lives in perspective," said Davis, who is the father of an 8-month-old son. "I think it makes you appreciate what you have."

To make that human connection to the 99-year-old tragedy, Fifth Avenue is handing out with each program information about one of the passengers boarding the Titanic and the audience members will not know (unless they really know their Titanic history), whether or not the person makes it to a lifeboat or perishes in the chilly sea.

"I think a defining moment at the museum was when you are in third class and you go to the gate that was locked and you go and look through the gate and see the water coming down the steps," Harbert said. "We have water coming down the steps in the production and it so motivated us and there are lots of moments like that in the show. I think it became the mission of all of us to bring the stories of these people here. It is a celebration of their life."

To further cement that bond and to build some suspense in getting to see the massive two-story ship set, the production also begins in a unique way and different from the Broadway production. The crew and passengers walk in from the back of the theater up the middle aisle, onto the gangplank and onto the stage with the curtain drawn like they are on the dock ready to set sail.

Actor Josh Janotta who plays Frederick Barrett, the poor man shoveling coal into the Titanic's boilers to get it going faster and faster during the show, sets the timbre of the show as he stops, takes the hands of audience members while passionately bellowing the number, "Fare-Thee-Well," which he sings with Ron Short, who plays telegraph operator, Harold Bride, and David Day who plays crewman Fredrick Fleet.

Choreographer Coni Anthony, who is doing her 18th show with Harbert since she moved to Huntington in 1993, said from the program to the unique opening choreography, "Titanic" draws the audience immediately into this widely varying cast of characters. Anthony said it has been a challenge working with so many cast members so they found ways to further the story within limited space.

"It's been a challenge but they sound fabulous, and it is an amazing and a touching story," Anthony said. "I think because you learn so much about them you have an affection for them."

Anthony also likes the fact that the musical, with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston and book by Peter Stone, so well splays out the string of errors that caused the ship, which struck a massive iceberg late on the night of April 14, 1912 to sink some three hours later at about 2:45 a.m. on the morning of April 15.

Though there is a deep cast and a wide range of song and scene focus among the ships' classes, certainly three of the most important parts lie in the men, the ship builder, Thomas Andrews, played by Mike Murdock; the White Star Line owner, J. Bruce Ismay, played by Greg Kiser and the ship's captain, E.J. Smith, played by Scott Black, with whom the Titanic's fate lies.

"There were so many things that could have gone wrong and did," Anthony said. "There was a ship only 10 miles away on that night but did not come to their rescue because they didn't have a radio. People say they tempted God when they called it unsinkable and maybe they did. It went down it 90 minutes and was lost, and was full of people who had hopes and dreams for what lie ahead in America."
The ship is sailing

WHAT: Fifth Avenue Theatre Company's production of "Titanic The Musical" with a massive two-story ship set and featuring a cast of 43 people under the direction of Eddie Harbert

WHERE: Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium at Huntington City Hall

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 29-30 and May 6-7, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1 and May 8.

HOW MUCH: $15 and $12 for children

GET TIX: Call 304-696-5522 or at the door

THE PRE-SHOW: The pre-show will start 45 minutes before each show. Stacy Bond is directing the pre-show called "The Titanic Comes to Town." Kids performing in the pre-show include: Jenny Morrison, Elise Hager, Christian Morrison, Danielle Reber, Tabitha Miller, Joey Hager, Zoie Fornash, Dhania Bond, Lily Hager, Paige Griffith, Madyson Knipp, Todd Claypool, Nathaniel Fornash and Trista Esque.

THE EXHIBIT: In the lobby a one-of-a-kind display of Titanic items including costumes and movie props from the famous blockbuster 20th Century Fox film, "Titanic," including a life preserver and chair on loan from an anonymous theater patron in Huntington. And Central City Cafe has loaned its framed front page Huntington newspaper announcing the Titanic disaster.

ON DECK FOR FIFTH AVENUE: Noises Off on Sept. 9-11 and Sept. 16-18, and "White Christmas" Dec. 2-4- and Dec. 8-11.

ON THE WEB: www.cityofhuntingtonfoundation.org

On Stage Next Weekend - "Titanic the Musical"

The voyage of the Titanic has been immortalized in numerous books, several movies and one musical for the stage.

That production will be brought to life next weekend at the Huntington City Hall auditorium as 5th Avenue Theatre presents Titanic the Musical.

In case you've never heard of the show, here's a recap of what to expect courtesy of Wikipedia:

Titanic is a musical with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston and a book by Peter Stone that opened on Broadway in 1997.

It won five Tony Awards including the award for Best Musical.

Titanic is set on the ocean liner RMS Titanic which sank on its maiden voyage on April 15, 1912.

More on the show in the week ahead!

On Stage This Weekend - "A Few Good Men"

There's only one show on stage this weekend - but it's a good one!

The final performance of A Few Good Men will be presented by the Kanawha Players Saturday, April 23 at 8 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre. Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for students.

For more information, call 304-343-PLAY.

"Titanic" is Coming!

Hey, we're just a week away from Titanic taking the stage at Huntington's City Hall auditorium!

I'll have more about it as we count down the days - but first, here's the cast list, as provided by director Eddie Harbert (the actor's name is on the left, the character they play on the right):

Mike Murdock ……… Thomas Andrews
Greg Kiser …………… J. Bruce Ismay
Scott Black ………… Captain E. J. Smith
Kenny Duthie ……… First Officer Murdoch
Mathew Taylor …… Second Officer Lightoller
Clay Finnely ……… Hitchens
Allan Stern ………… The Major
Ron Short ……………… Harold Bride
Josh Janotta ……… Fredrick Barrett
David Day ……………… Fredrick Fleet
Josh Taylor ………… Henry Etches
Maggie Rawn ………… Bell-hop
Bill Hannah ………… Isidor Straus
Sharon Whitehead …… Ida Straus
Allison Davis …………… Madeleine Astor
D. B. Daugherty ……… John Astor
Marisa Miller……………… Marion Thayer
Jesse Riggs ………………… John Thayer
Lillian Ramsier ……… Jane (Jack) Thayer
Wendy Wilson ……………… Charlotte Cardoza
Leann Haines ……………… Alice Beane
James Holley ……………… Edgar Beane
Levi Kelly …………………… Charles Clark
Elizabeth Ganim ……… Caroline Neville
George Snider III … Jim Ferrell
Jane Modlin ………………… Kate McGowan
Jenn Fuller ………………… Kate Mullins
Peri Law ………………………… Kate Murphey
Tyler Bradley …………… Mr. Guggenheim
Shauntay Heylinger … Mme. Aubert
Kyle Fisher…………………… Edith Corse Evans
Betty Craddock…………… Eleanor Widener
Chris Byrd …………………… George Widener
Dave Benton…………………… Frank Carlson
Courtney Parsley……… Stewardess
Rachael Miller…………… Stewardess

Ensemble
Lillian Hines
Bethany Brumfield
Sharon Bellamy
Kiley Henderson
Peggy Walker
Christy Dailey
Linda LeMaster
Susan Rawn
Jeanne Davidson
Lindsay Holley
Ethan Darby
Michael Niday

Auditions This Weekend for "The Wedding Singer"

Who said love isn't a laughing matter? This summer the Tri-State will be treated to the musical comedy The Wedding Singer.

The musical will run throughout the month of July as Huntington Outdoor Theatre enters its 18th season. But before the laughter begins H.O.T. is looking for individuals of all ages to perform.

Auditions for both The Wedding Singer and the children's preshow will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 23, and 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday, April 25, at Huntington High School. Enter through the doors at the first loop and an individual will be there to greet you.

Anyone age 6 and up is welcome to audition. Those auditioning should come prepared to sing with a 30-second piece of music.

For more information go online at www.hotwv.org or call 304-412-3393.

On Stage Thursday Only - "Two Faces in the Shadows"

Here's a show you'll want to catch being presented by the First United Methodist Church on Maundy Thursday.

Jerry Morse sends along this information:

Two Faces in the Shadows by Paul D. Duke / Jeff Allee

Recall, with us, the events leading to the crucifixion, in this dramatic and emotional Tenebrae dialogue between Simon Peter and Judas.

For this service, you are invited to the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church at 1124 5th Avenue in Huntington at 7 p.m., Maundy Thursday, April 21, 2011.

Come a little early – you won’t want to miss a moment. Admission is free, and open to all.

For more information, call the Church office at 304-522-0357

Last Chance to See "Working - the Musical"

Just back from a wonderful evening visiting friends I ran into at tonight's performance of Working - the Musical.

My lovely wife and I had a great time at the show, which is made up of vignettes and songs about people from all walks of life and their jobs.

It's great to see Marshall's Theatre Alliance tackling a musical, and this one features some terrific songs, including three by James Taylor ("Millworker" is a particular favorite of mine).

The cast is fantastic and very talented - there are scenes that will make you laugh, that will touch your heart, and many that will make you think.

You have one more chance to see the show - they're offering a (rare) Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center on Marshall University's Campus.

For more information or to reserve tickets, call 304-696-ARTS (2787) or visit www.marshall.edu/cofa/theatre.

Highly recommended!

On Stage This Weekend: "Working"

You still have two more chances to catch Working as presented by the Marshall Theatre Alliance.

Working is a musical based on the 1974 book "Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do" by Studs Terkel. The performance was scored by a group of musicians including James Taylor.

The book includes interviews with people from different regions and occupations. The overall theme of the book and the performance is meant to be an exploration of what makes work meaningful for people from all walks of life.

Working will be presented at 8 p.m. Saturday night and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center on Marshall University's Campus.

For more information, call 304-696-ARTS (2787) or visit www.marshall.edu/cofa/theatre.

You can also see a photo gallery of pictures from the show right here.

And let me add, I really like that photo since it includes three fine actors and singers who grew up performing in shows in Huntington with First Stage Theatre Company. From left, you see Maggie Saunders (who's actually a senior in High School, but she's appeared in several plays at Marshall already), Josh Meredith and Scott Burner. Below you see another First Stage alumni - the talented Nathan Mohebbi.

I've heard lots of raves about the show, so it's highly recommended!

Looking for Some Help With History

I'm hoping some of you long-time theatre fans out there can provide some historic help with a special project.

First Stage Theatre Company is trying to track down posters and / or show programs from some of its earliest shows for a history project.

You don't have to give away your prized items, but I'd love to borrow them long enough to scan - they're for a special commemorative art project I'm working on.

These are the shows we're looking for (at the time the Children's Theatre went by the name Musical Arts Guild - Children's Theatre, or MAG-CT):

- You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (1990)
- Winnie the Pooh (1991)
- Tom Sawyer (1991)
- Alice in Wonderland (1992)
- Cinderella (1993)
- Huck Finn (1994)

If you have a copy of either the program or the poster for any of those shows, please drop me a note at TheMinskers@aol.com and I'll make arrangement to make a copy.

Thanks!

On Stage This Week - "Working"

Taking the stage this week is the final show for the season for the Marshall Theatre Alliance - and it's a musical!

Working runs April 13-16 at 8 p.m. and April 17 at 2:30 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

The show is based on oral historian Studs Terkel’s bestselling book, Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do.

One worker’s story blends seamlessly into another’s as ordinary people reflect on their jobs and on the greater meaning of work. The songwriters who collaborated on Working find the soaring power and unique poetry of musical theatre in the spare, revealing and honest words originally spoken to Studs Terkel.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for MU Faculty and Seniors. The show is free to full-time Marshall students with a valid ID. For more information or to reserve tickets, call the Marshall Theatre Box Office at 304-696-2787.

One More Interview for "Barefoot in the Park"

Here's the last of our e-interviews with cast members of the ARTS production Barefoot in the Park.

This time around we hear from Sara Booth, who plays new bride Corie Bratter.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Sara: It has been about two years since I have been able to be on the stage and it was TIME! And I love (director) Bill Neal!

Q: Tell us about the character you play in the show.

Sara: Corie is a passionate, loving, eccentric girl who is madly in love with Paul and the new life that is ahead of her. She doesn't think, she LEAPS into life!

Q: How is performing as part of a dinner theatre different from "regular" theatre?

Sara: I love doing dinner theatre so far... this is the first one I have had the pleasure of being a part of but so far it's the same except you get to go out before and meet the people that are going to be watching you. It is great!

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Sara: This show is one of the funniest shows I have had the pleasure of being a part of, it makes you laugh at a real life scenario. Just six people going on in there little lives and it makes you giggle and hopefully "Laugh out loud!!" You MUST COME!!!

Thanks, Sara! This is the final weekend for the show. You can see it Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Dinner is available on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and requires reservations, available by calling 304-733-ARTS (2787). The theatre is located at 900 8th Street, Huntington, WV (the old Huntington High).

More About "Barefoot in the Park"

Continuing our e-interviews with some of the cast members of the ARTS production of Barefoot in the Park - here's what three of them had to say:

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Clint McElroy (who plays Victor Velasco): I really think this Neil Simon kid has a future in the theatre biz.

Derek Ross (the telephone repairman): Because (director) Bil Neal forced me under pain of death. Actually because I wanted to give it a shot.

Karen Pruitt (Ethel Banks): This is one of my favorite shows. I just knew it would be a lot of fun to play this character!

Q: Tell us about the character you play in the show.

Clint: Victor is party on two legs. Gourmet, bon vivant, ladies man... and full of it.

Derek: My character is a working class man that gets thrown into a couple of situations he's not sure how to handle, but he has a kind heart.

Karen: Ethel is a proper, well-to-do widow whose only child is Corie. She is conservative and set in her ways. Very loving, but can be overbearing, not to mention, a little sarcastic. Resigned to living alone for the rest of her life.

Q: How is performing as part of a dinner theatre different from "regular" theatre?

Clint: I much prefer smelling baked steak over smelling C.E. Wilson after a particularly demanding second act.

Karen: The majority of my experience has been with dinner theater, so it is difficult to have an opinion. I hope to get more experience in "regular" theater.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Karen: I highly recommend this show to everyone! It's great fun with a great cast - guaranteed laughs!

Derek: It is one heck of a show.. everyone is so funny. It is just good clean fun and I guarantee you will laugh.

Clint: Non-stop laughing... and a generous supply of knichi!

This is the final weekend for the show. You can see it Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Dinner is available on Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and requires reservations, available by calling 304-733-ARTS (2787). The theatre is located at 900 8th Street, Huntington, WV (the old Huntington High).

Highly recommended!

On Stage Thursday - "Spamalot"

I'm a longtime fan of Monty Python, so this is a show I'd love to see.

The touring version of Spamalot invades the Paramount Arts Center Thursday at 8 p.m., and it is - by all reports - hilarious!

Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot is the outrageous new musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic Monty Python and The Holy Grail.

Based on the Tony Award-winning direction of Mike Nichols, with a book by Eric Idle and music and lyrics by the Grammy Award winning-team of Idle and John Du Prez, Spamalot tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail.

Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers are just a few of the reasons audiences everywhere are eating up Spamalot.

Tickets are $35, $40, $45, $48 and $60. For more information, call 606-324-3175.

Highly recommended!

Nee!

The Cast of "Barefoot" Speaks!

Hey, we have some e-interviews coming your way over the next few days with some of the members of the cast of Barefoot in the Park, which is Neil Simon's funny play about a couple of newlyweds trying to cope with life in an unusual apartment building.

That show is being presented by ARTS this weekend, and you can get a meal with the shows on Friday and Saturday night!

We start with one of the leads - my pal Stephen Vance, who plays the part of Paul Bratter.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Stephen: I wanted to be a part of this show ever since I first saw the movie. The film is very true to the play. The characters are real and the situations are both comical and relatable. When ARTS picked this show about six weeks ago, I jumped at the opportunity. I've had one great experience with this group after another. With this cast, and this director (Bil Neal), and this script how could you go wrong?

Q: Tell me about the part you play.

Stephen: Paul Bratter is a newlywed of six days. He is a rising young attorney, and he is trying to balance starting his career and his marriage. He is madly in love with his wife Corie, but they aren't exactly two peas in a pod. Their differences provide both the strength in their relationship and the problems. While Corie represents the passion in the marriage, Paul represents the stability.

Q: How is performing as part of a dinner theatre different from "regular" theatre?

Stephen: For us as actors, it is really not that much different. We are still performing on the main stage, however, the dinner guests do get a bit of a different experience. Instead of just seeing a great show, they are getting an entire evening of fun. They start with a great dinner in the ARTS ballroom and then head to reserved seating in the main stage theatre. I think for the guests it really gives them a sense of a complete night, since they don't have to leave the premises or worry about making curtain on time.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Stephen: I think the readers who love the movie will love it even more when they see the characters come to life in front of them. For those who don't know the show or the movie, I think you will fall in love with it just like I did. First of all, it is simply hilarious. The crowds so far have really enjoyed it. Secondly, this show has heart and a very pure sentiment. Finally, and the reason I'm so happy to be a part of this show, this cast. I couldn't be happier or more flattered to be a part of this group. Derek Ross is the new guy and is hilarious. Charlie Woolcock is a staple in this community and his cameo is perfect. Clint McElroy. What else can be said about his work that hasn't already been said? (And I finally get to be on stage with him). Karen Pruitt is a delight to watch every second she is on stage. Last but not least, Sara Booth is marvelous. She is the passion and life of this show and the story from start to finish. Come see them all, they are all brilliant.

Q: When and where is the show staged?

Stephen: The show has one more weekend. Friday the 8th at 8 p.m., Saturday the 9th at 8 p.m., and Sunday the 10th at 2 p.m. Dinner is also available on Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and requires reservations, available by calling 304-733-ARTS (2787). The theatre is located at 900 8th Street, Huntington, W.Va. (the old Huntington High School).

Marina Jurica's Farewell Concert

She best known as a meteorologist for WSAZ-TV, but Marina Jurica has also been a force in community theatre, starring in numerous shows in Huntington and Charleston.

Sadly, this is her last week in the area - she and husband Todd Preston are moving to Minneapolis - but we have one last chance to catch her in concert.

She's going to perform in a Farewell Concert with The Tommy Money Orchestra April 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland.

The Tommy Money Orchestra is a fantastic big band orchestra and she'll be singing many favorites from that era. Other guest artists include Ryan Hardiman and Christopher Bowling.

Marina will sing favorites such as "Smile," "Orange Colored Sky," "For Once In My Life" and "Almost Like Being In Love," just to name a few!

Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for students and seniors and can be purchased at this website or by calling the Paramount Arts Center directly at 606-324-3175.

For more info also log onto www.tommymoneyorchestra.com!

"Barefoot in the Park"

You have one more chance to catch this great Neil Simon show this weekend - and then three more chances next weekend.

Here's the story from the Herald-Dispatch:

The story of a young couple struggling through the first days of marriage will take the stage in Huntington this weekend.

Arts Resources for the Tri-State will present Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park Sunday, April 3, and again April 8-10, at the Renaissance Theatre, 900 8th St. The show begins at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance by calling 304-733-7287 or by visiting www.733arts.org. Dinner and show tickets are also available for $30. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. and is only available prior to the Friday and Saturday shows.

Bil Neal, the show’s director, said “Barefoot” is different from most of the comedies ARTS has done.

“This is completely character driven,” Neal said. “Some people are funny and not trying to be funny. It’s funny because of the people involved.”

Neal said the play, which is set in 1960s New York, revolves around a young bride who has been married for six days.

“Neil Simon is a very good comedic writer. These are very real characters. It’s a slice of her life in 24 hours,” he said. “There’s nothing vulgar. It’s good clean fun because of the people involved.”

Neal said the show has a way of growing on you.

“You’ll grow to love the people by the end of the first act,” he said. “They’re completely normal people that funny things happen to. I think that’s interesting to watch.”

The cast includes Sara Booth, Stephen Vance, Karen Pruitt, Derek Ross, Clint McElroy and Charlie Woolcock.

“It’s some of the best acting that I’ve seen in the Tri-State,” Neal said. “It’s been amazing.”

In addition to directing a variety of ARTS productions, Neal also serves on the board of ARTS, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

“I think it’s important in the community to have a resource for the arts in general,” he said. “That’s why I’m on the board. I want to support it.”

On Stage in April

April brings with it a number of great shows!

If I’ve missed any, please let me know – you can comment at the link below or email me at TheMinskers@aol.com.

Here’s the list:

- Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park will be presented by Arts Resources for the Tri-State April 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10, at the Renaissance Theatre, 900 8th St. The show begins at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.

- Working will be presented by the Marshall Theatre Alliance at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse April 13, 14, 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. with a matinee April 17 at 2:30 p.m.

- Titanic the Musical will be presented by 5th Avenue Theatre Company at the City Hall Auditorium April 29, 30 and May 1, 6, 7 and 8, 2011.

- Spamalot will be presented at the Paramount Arts Center April 7 at 8 p.m.

- Wuthering Heights, The Musical will be presented by Ashland Community and Technical College Theatre April 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 8:00 p.m. and April 10 and 17 at 2:30 p.m.

- Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You and The Actor's Nightmare will be presented by the Charleston Stage Company at 7:30 p.m. April 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 at the Capitol Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

- A Few Good Men will be presented by the Kanawha Players April 15, 16, 22 and 23 at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre.

- Rounding Third will be presented by the Kanawha Players April 29, 30, May 6 and 7.

So there you go - eight shows scattered over five weekends in April. Get out there and support your community theatre - they need you now more than ever!

On Stage Tonight - "Barefoot in the Park"

Wow, April slipped up on me suddenly! (I blame all the snow yesterday.)

At any rate, I neglected to mention a show that starts tonight, as Arts Resources for the Tri-State presents Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park at 8 p.m.

The show continues its run Saturday at the same time, and it runs April 8-9 at 8 p.m. and at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 3 and 10 at the Renaissance Center (the olod Huntington High School).

It's a very funny show - highly recommended!

On Stage Friday: "The Color Purple"

Pretty amazing, having two outstanding Broadway touring shows just a few days apart - but that's what the Marshall Artists Series did this week.

Hot on the heels of Spring Awakening, that group's season wraps up Friday night with the hit musical The Color Purple.

Here's more info about that show:

The Color Purple is a soul-stirring musical based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg.

It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who finds her unique voice in the world. Nominated for eleven Tony® Awards, The Color Purple is a landmark theatrical event, a celebration of love, and a Broadway phenomenon.

With a joyous GRAMMY®-nominated score featuring jazz, gospel and blues, The Color Purple is capturing the hearts of young and old, and uniting audiences in a community of joy.

The show runs at 8:00 p.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center. Tickets range from $45 to $58.

Highly recommended!

Leslie McElroy Memorial Scholarship Taking Applications

Here's a cause that's near and dear to my heart - a $1000 scholarship offered every Spring by First Stage Theatre Company to a deserving student of the arts.

It's named for my dear friend Leslie McElroy, who was a member of the First Stage Board, a great Mom and a terrific actress and theatre producer - she was taken from us far too young.

Here are the details - I urge any student who's eligible to apply:

The First Stage Theatre Company is now accepting applications for the Leslie McElroy Memorial Scholarship.

First Stage sponsors the scholarship to honor the memory of Leslie McElroy, who was a great supporter of community theatre as a producer, actor and board member of First Stage.

A $1000 scholarship is available to entering freshmen or current full-time students who are studying dramatic or performing arts at a college, university or certified school of the performing arts.

Entries must be received by Wednesday, April 27, 2011.

Applicants must have been involved with at least one First Stage Theatre Company show, either on-stage (as a performer) or off-stage (as a member of the tech crew).

Applicants must send: a list of the shows they’ve been in; a list of school-related extra-curricular activities; a list of civic or public service activities; a copy of an official school document showing the individual's most recent grade-point average; identification of the college the individual is attending or will attend; and a brief statement (250 words or less) on why the applicant is interested in studying performing arts and detailing the applicant's financial need for the award.

Applications should be sent to First Stage Scholarships, c/o C.E. Wilson, 6421 Rt. 60 East, Barboursville, WV 25504. For more information, call 304-736-4366.

Complete application information and forms are available at www.firststagetheatre.org.

On Stage Tomorrow - "Spring Awakening"

The latest show from the Marshall Artists Series takes the stage tomorrow at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.

It's the national tour of the coming-of-age rock 'n' roll musical Spring Awakening.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Targeted at adults, Spring Awakening earned eight Tony Awards (including Best Score and Best Musical) and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Album for its rock score written by Steve Sater and Duncan Sheik.

Tickets to Spring Awakening are $45, $50 and $58.

Highly recommended!